An easy beginner project using my cushion cover fabric panel. These cushion covers have a nice little pocket in the front that are perfect for putting a book or gifts in. The fabric panel makes it quick and easy as the pattern is all sized and ready to cut and sew. Enjoy!
Please read these instructions all the way through before getting started. It will help prevent mistakes. This tutorial was initially created for my Christmas Panel (2019) but can be used for any of my book pocket cushion cover fabric panels - February 2022 - sample below is my Puddles & Boots option.
The Christmas fabric panel comes in two colour ways - Traditional and Modern. They are 100% cotton and digitally printed using Digital Pigment Inks making them colour fast and super eco friendly. Each panel will make 2 approx. 14” (approx. 35 cm) cushion covers.
They are available exclusively at from my Spoonflower Shop - You get both designs on the panel 1 metre (1 yard).
Supplies to make the panel: sewing machine, sewing kit including thread, scissors (or rotary cutter), ruler, pinking shears or pinking rotary blade. Pinking shears are for tidying up the hem and prevent fraying. There is an alternative in the instructions here that don’t require them if you don’t have any.
How to Make Up the Cushion Cover
1. I prefer to prepare your fabric by washing it at 30degrees but it’s not necessary if you don’t normally wash your fabric first. Do not tumble dry. Gentle iron or press once dry. Cut out each piece of the cushion and press. Tip: cut out the labels and pin to corresponding piece if it helps figure out the different pieces.
2. Back Panels - these will make the envelope back. Create a double hem by folding an approx. 1/4” over twice , press and sew, on the longest side (38cm) on each back panel.
Sew straight stitch on each of the back panels to create a neat seam
3. Pocket - Fold the pocket piece in half, press and then sew about 1/4” from top of fold to create a nice neat hem. It also makes the pocket more stable rather than using 1 piece of fabric.
4. Pin the pocket piece to the front panel making sure the folded sewn piece of the pocket is in the middle
5. Carefully place the sewn front pocket piece wrong side face down. Place the back panels on top of the front pocket piece (right sides together) making sure the hemmed pieces are towards the middle. Pin. They will overlap as this is what creates the envelope back.
6. Carefully sew approx. 1/4” to 1/2” all the way round. Remove pins.
7. Press all the way round.
8. To tidy up the edges, either trim with pinking shears or you can sew a zig zag stitch all the way round and then trim off excess fabric taking care not to cut into the stitches. You can also use an overedge foot, if you have one. The idea is to tidy up the edges to prevent fraying as much as possible.
9. Once you’ve done your edges, press. Cut off each of the corners taking care not to cut into any stitches. This will reduce bulk when turning right side out.
10. Turn the cushion cover right side out carefully pushing the corners right out. Carefully roll and press all the way round. And that’s your pocket cushion cover made. Get a 14” cushion pad. A 12” or 13” will also be ok - it depends how snug or loose you like your cushion covers.